Sarasota Paradise is set to welcome a rising talent. Gabe Velasco, a standout sophomore goalkeeper from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will join the squad, bolstering the team ahead of the USL League Two season.
Velasco, a former teammate of Sarasota Paradise’s Kai Tamashiro, developed his skills at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. During his high school years, he earned multiple invitations to U.S. National Training Center sessions, secured a spot on the National Rush Select All-Star Team for two consecutive years, and was named IMG’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022 and 2023. His resume also includes stints with the MLS NEXT U19 team and international experience at PDT in Arizona and the Montecatini Cup in Italy.
Excited to return to his roots, Velasco said, “I’m thrilled to share the field with friends from back home while playing for one of the top USL League Two teams in the country.” As the season begins on May 17, Sarasota Paradise aims to defend its title with key additions like Velasco. Fans can secure their tickets now at sarasotaparadise.us/seasontickets.